Isolation and characterization of simple sequence repeat loci in the gray tree frog, Hyla chrysoscelis

A gray tree frog (Hyla chrysoscelis) genomic library was constructed and characterized with regard to the incidence and complexity of simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. The partial genomic library, containing approximately 10 000 clones with an average-sized insert of 350 bp, was screened with six SSR repeat oligonucleotides (AC, AG, ACG, AGC, AAC, and AAG). Screening identified 31 unique positive clones containing 41 SSR loci. Sequences of tandemly arrayed dinucleotide repeats were more common (36 of 41) than trinucleotide repeats. Twenty-six loci were identified using the AC dinucleotide probe, while 7 loci were identified using the AG dinucleotide probe. An additional 3 AT dinucleotide loci were serendipitously identified. The AT repeats generally comprised the longest dinucleotide repeat loci. The SSR repeat loci reported here should provide potent markers for identity, parentage, and short-lineage determinations in large-scale experiments using gray tree frogs.